Phone: 208-443-2426
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At the turn of the century, the area surrounding Priest Lake was a secluded land of tall forests and abundant wildlife. Priest Lake itself remained as a monument to the glacial action of the ice age: deep and crystal clear water teeming with native westslope cutthroat, whitefish and other fish species.

In this idyllic setting, the Great Northern Railway Company built a "state of the art" hotel in 1890. Situated on a forested hillside above the growing village of Coolin on Priest Lake's southern shore, the Northern Hotel provided a panoramic vista of the lake and surrounding mountains. It served for many years as a warm, comfortable resort where travelers could relax beside the fire and dine at the area's finest lodging establishment. This great old building and its history of hospitality has been resurrected as the Priest Lake area's premier bed & breakfast — The Old Northern Inn.

With its steep roof, shaded verandah, original plank floors and cedar paneling, the Old Northern Inn provides a nostalgic return to the rustic country lodges of the 1890s. It is a perfect escape for those who seek the rhythm of a simpler time coupled with a warm, friendly atmosphere. The Inn is ideally situated, secluded by the surrounding forest, yet steps away up a wooded path from the private beach. The village of Coolin is a short walk away.

The Old Northern Inn has been painstakingly restored to its original look, a classic two-story wooden hotel filled with antiques from the era, right down to the brass bath fixtures, checkerboards, and flour sack pillows. Each of the individual rooms and suites is named after a geographic feature of Priest Lake and all feature country furnishings, a goose down comforter, and beautiful handcrafted quilts. All accommodations have private baths.

A spacious guest area includes a stone fireplace, comfortable armchairs and picture windows overlooking the lake and the forested Selkirk mountains. Delicious breakfasts of fresh fruit and homemade specialties are served in the Cedar Dining Room, which also looks out on the lake. Wine, cheese and fruit are served every afternoon.

The Old Northern Inn has a small private marina where guests can moor their boats, sun and swim. The deck features umbrella-shaded tables and a stone hearth for summer evening fires. There is no television or radio for entertainment, but instead an eclectic book collection and a 1907 upright baby grand piano.

The Priest Lake area looks much as it did at the last period of Alpine glaciation around 20,000 years ago, and much as it did when the first road survey was completed in 1865. It is likely to remain that way, thanks to the 1897 proclamation by President Grover Cleveland establishing the Priest River Forest Preserve. Relatively few visitors make their way to this secluded basin of the Selkirk Mountains, but the percentage of those who return generation after generation is very high.

The new arrival will find that Priest Lake abounds in recreational opportunities. Rental watercraft are available in Coolin and guided fishing tours for the lake's trophy lake trout (Mackinaw) can be arranged. Fine dining establishments thrive on both sides of the lake. Detailed information on these attractions can be found on the Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce web site. The Old Northern Inn is a 90 minute drive from Spokane and approximately the same distance from Coeur d'Alene. Directions to Coolin.

The Inn opens on Memorial Day weekend and operates through mid-October.

Map of Old Northern Inn
Coolin, ID